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Massachusetts Exhaust & Muffler Laws (2026)

Info: Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order that prevents excessive noise, and cutouts, bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler), removed baffles, and noise-amplifying exhaust are banned.

InfoVerified Jun 19, 2026

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Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order that prevents excessive noise, and cutouts, bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler), removed baffles, and noise-amplifying exhaust are banned. Massachusetts sets no fixed decibel limit (M.G.L. c.90 § 16).

Official source: malegislature.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Exhaust & Muffler in states bordering Massachusetts

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ConnecticutInfo
You can't install or use a gutted muffler, a muffler cutout, a straight exhaust, or a muffler missing its interior baffle plates — the only exception is a sanctioned race or public exhibition. …
Verified Jul 28, 2026 · Source: cga.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
New HampshireInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order, and cutouts, bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler), and straight-pipe exhaust are prohibited. New Hampshire sets no decibel limit for cars — the decibel limit in 266:59-a applies only to motorcycles (N.H. RSA § 266:59).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: gencourt.state.nh.us · Full New Hampshire rule →
New YorkInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler. Passenger cars up to 10,000 pounds are capped at 76 decibels at 35 mph or below, and 82 decibels above that, measured at 50 feet (N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 386).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: nysenate.gov · Full New York rule →
Rhode IslandInfo
Every vehicle needs a muffler in good working order and running at all times so it doesn't make excessive or unusual noise, muffler cutouts and bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler) are prohibited on highways, and an exhaust system modified to be louder than the manufacturer's original equipment counts as defective. …
Verified Jul 27, 2026 · Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →
VermontInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler with baffle plates, and gutted mufflers, cutouts (which route exhaust around the muffler), straight pipes, and noise-amplifying changes are prohibited. Vermont has no decibel limit on the books (23 V.S.A. § 1221).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: legislature.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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